By Emma Dodd
A caravan site in Dorset has been granted permission to extend its season in a bid to help boost the economy and many others may follow suit.
The traditional period in which the majority of caravan parks stay open is between March and October, but the governments of the UK kept them closed until July this year due to the pandemic.
A shortened season has financial implications for all the parks involved and a number of them are now seeking approval from authorities to stay open longer and service the demand for holidays at home.
One such park is the Creek Caravan Site at Ringstead, which has been granted permission by Dorset Council to remain open until January 15th, before welcoming visitors again from March 15th.
The park had requested an 11-month season stretching from February to January each year, but some locals felt that it could ruin the peace and quiet they enjoy during the winter months.
A letter from the owners of the Creek Caravan Site said that removing the imperative to close in October would provide added security for the future of the business and boost the local economy by extending the season.
They reassured locals by saying: “This would not change the character or appearance of the site or its impact on the surrounding countryside and landscape.”
Local planning authorities have been encouraged by the government to exercise their discretion in relation to extending seasons for caravan sites, campsites and holiday parks in a statement that was released on July 14th.
Westminster granted the written ministerial statement as a way to support these businesses, which could find themselves being forced to close if they can’t recoup lost earnings as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The statement will remain in force until December 2022, unless the government puts a counter statement in place.
It’s therefore likely that caravan parks across the country will take advantage of the rule change and request permission from their local authorities to remain open for longer.
With uncertainty surrounding foreign travel rife and nervousness due to COVID-19, caravan holidays are proving more popular than ever in 2020.
